Melanie Verret Jones

Melanie Verret Jones, age 66, departed this earthly life on September 23, 2020. She passed away in the presence of her beloved daughters at Touro Infirmary in New Orleans, Louisiana after a valiant fight against cancer. A native of New Orleans, Melanie spent time as a resident of San Antonio, Texas and Murfreesboro, Tennessee before returning to New Orleans where she enjoyed several years strengthening relationships with a multitude of cousins and extended family. Melanie loved to love and family was the most important thing in her life. An avid crafter, Melanie relished collecting random odds-and-ends that she would beautifully repurpose in her own creative and unique ways. She was also a lover of learning, immersing herself in books, DIY television and online tutorials. For her, beauty was found in the intrinsic value of each day, the items often overlooked, and the lengthy, often late-night, conversations with family and friends which she cherished immensely. After graduating from St. Mary’s Academy in 1971, Melanie went on to attend Louisiana State University in New Orleans (LSUNO, later renamed to University of New Orleans (UNO), before beginning a career as an administrative professional at Hibernia National Bank. She spent several years as a stay-at-home mother - the job she loved most of all - which rarely involved “staying at home,” but frequently involved volunteering as the classroom-mom, attending Parent Teacher Association meetings, and lots of brownie baking. As her daughters became older, she would go on to continue her professional career. Prior to retirement, she was a procurement specialist at Dillard University. Melanie was preceded in death by her loving parents, John Verret Sr. and Odesta Sylvain Verret, and her brother, John Verret Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Alicia Jones (Nathan Webster) and Deidre Jones, their father, Donald Jones, and a host of cousins and friends. A Funeral Service celebrating Melanie’s life will be held at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, located at 3933 Washington Avenue on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 10:00 am. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am. Interment will follow immediately at Resthaven Memorial Park, located at 10400 Old Gentilly Road. As mandated by the State of Louisiana due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance is limited. Everyone is required to adhere to all restrictions. You must wear a face mask at all times and practice social distancing. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories and condolences for the family.